Quick answer
CDC's provisional data count 73 drug overdose deaths in Luzerne County in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 82 a year earlier. Within 30 miles of Wilkes-Barre, FindTreatment.gov lists 32 substance use facilities, including 8 offering detoxification. Here is how to start treatment.
Last updated: Thu Oct 08 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Wilkes-Barre is a city of about 45,000 residents in Luzerne County. Within 30 miles of Wilkes-Barre, the federal treatment locator lists 32 substance use facilities. This guide covers the local overdose numbers, where to call for help, and how to pay for care.
What the overdose data show
CDC's provisional county-level overdose data count 73 drug overdose deaths in Luzerne County in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 82 in the 12 months ending December 2024. These are provisional counts as of July 2026 and may be revised.
Statewide, CDC's provisional overdose counts show 2,866 drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 3,360 the year before.
Treatment near Wilkes-Barre by the numbers
The SAMHSA treatment locator lists 32 substance use facilities within 30 miles of Wilkes-Barre:
- 8 offering detoxification (withdrawal management)
- 10 with residential programs
- 25 offering outpatient services
- 4 federally certified opioid treatment programs (methadone clinics) and 21 that prescribe buprenorphine
- 21 that administer or prescribe medication for alcohol use disorder
Counts change as programs open and close, so confirm current openings by phone.
Where to get help in Wilkes-Barre
The PA Get Help Now at 1-800-662-4357 is a free public line that can help Pennsylvania residents find substance use treatment, including publicly funded programs.
You can also search findtreatment.gov from Wilkes-Barre and filter by level of care, medication, and payment option.
Levels of care to expect
Care is matched to the person, usually after an assessment. Depending on what is available near Wilkes-Barre, options range from medically supervised detox and residential treatment to intensive outpatient programs, regular outpatient counseling, and medication for opioid or alcohol use disorder. Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous, so ask about medical withdrawal management before stopping heavy use.
Paying for treatment
Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid, so more adults with low incomes qualify than in non-expansion states. Medical Assistance (Pennsylvania Medicaid), administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, covers medically necessary substance use disorder treatment, including medications for opioid use disorder. Covered levels of care and prior authorization rules vary by plan, so confirm detox and residential coverage before you go.
If you have private insurance, federal parity rules require your plan to cover substance use treatment on terms comparable to medical care; ask about in-network programs and prior authorization. See our Medicaid and rehab guide for how coverage works.
How to start today
- In a medical emergency, call 911. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 to speak with a treatment specialist, or use this form:
Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers, and we check your benefits before you commit.
- Call the PA Get Help Now (1-800-662-4357), or search findtreatment.gov to compare programs.
- If someone uses opioids, keep naloxone (Narcan) on hand. Pharmacies can dispense it without a prescription.
Peer support in Wilkes-Barre
Mutual-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery can support treatment and recovery. Search our meeting finder for in-person and online meetings near Wilkes-Barre.
Questions about rehab in Wilkes-Barre
How many addiction treatment facilities are near Wilkes-Barre?
The SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov locator lists 32 substance use treatment facilities within 30 miles of Wilkes-Barre, including 8 offering detoxification, 10 with residential programs, and 25 offering outpatient care. Counts change as programs open and close.
How many people die of drug overdoses in Luzerne County?
CDC's provisional county data count 73 drug overdose deaths in Luzerne County in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 82 a year earlier. Counts are provisional and may be revised.
Who do I call for addiction help in Wilkes-Barre?
Call the PA Get Help Now (1-800-662-4357) for help finding treatment. For a crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.
Does Medical Assistance cover rehab in Wilkes-Barre?
Yes, for eligible members. Medical Assistance (Pennsylvania Medicaid) covers medically necessary substance use disorder treatment and medications. Confirm network and prior authorization with your plan.
Is alcohol or opioid withdrawal dangerous?
Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause seizures and delirium tremens and should be managed with medical supervision. Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening on its own, but the risk of overdose after a break is high, so start with a plan for medication and naloxone. Call 911 if someone is unresponsive or struggling to breathe.